Components of a progressive reproductive management program

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Abstract:

These are somewhat exciting times for
dairy producers because of the new arsenal
of hormones available for controlling estrous
cycles and improving fertility. Using
Bovilene® seems to assist cows in releasing
a retained placenta. Most studies have
demonstrated that using GnRH as a followup
treatment (day 10 to 18 postpartum) for
dairy cows with periparturient problems
such as retained placenta improves their
subsequent reproductive performance.
Prophylactic treatment of early postpartum
cows with GnRH (days 10 to 18) or prostaglandin
F2alpha (days 20 to 40) improved their
reproductive performance in most studies
as well. Injections of GnRH at the time of
insemination during late estrus in repeatservice
cows effectively improves pregnancy
rates. As with all new technologies and
hormonal therapies, it is critical that attention
be paid to consistent heat detection and
good A.I. technique. Use of hormones
will not replace, only supplement, good
management procedures and common
sense.